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Assistant Ethnography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research Assistant (CUPE) Posting Type: Recherche / Research Course Title: N/A Course Code: N/A ... Particular emphasis on Institutional Ethnography and qualitative iDevelop website content related ...

Apply diverse research methods such as interviews, surveys, contextual inquiries, ethnography, and diary studies to address key questions. * Facilitate workshops and collaborative sessions to assist ...

Observation techniques (participatory and non-participatory observation); historical analysis of documents; comparative method, discourse analysis, political ethnography, interviews, and the ...

... diary studies, ethnography, surveys, usability testing, and logs analysis. You will also grow ... assist in organizing research events and design sprints. * Leverage storytelling to communicate ...

Assistant Ethnography information

What is an Assistant Ethnographer?

An Assistant Ethnographer is a research professional who supports lead ethnographers in studying and analyzing cultures, communities, or groups through immersive observation and participation. They help collect qualitative data, conduct interviews, take field notes, and assist in analyzing and presenting findings. Their work is essential for understanding social behavior, beliefs, and practices from an insider perspective. Assistant Ethnographers often work in academic, corporate, or non-profit settings, contributing to research projects that inform policy, product development, or cultural understanding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Ethnographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Ethnographer, you need a background in anthropology or social sciences, strong observational abilities, and experience with qualitative research methods. Familiarity with data collection tools, transcription software, and sometimes qualitative analysis software like NVivo or Atlas.ti is typical. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and analytical thinking help you build rapport and interpret complex social dynamics. These skills and qualities ensure accurate insights and effective collaboration in fieldwork and research teams.

What is the difference between Assistant Ethnography vs Research Assistant?

AspectAssistant EthnographyResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Anthropology, Sociology, or related field; some roles may require a master'sBachelor's degree in a relevant field; often an entry-level position
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, ethnographic research, community engagementLaboratory, office, or field; supporting research projects
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research firms, NGOsUniversities, research organizations, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonAssists senior ethnographers in data collection and analysisSupports research projects across various disciplines

Assistant Ethnography roles focus on ethnographic fieldwork and community engagement, often requiring specialized knowledge in social sciences. Research Assistants have broader research support duties across disciplines, typically with less emphasis on ethnographic methods. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in scope and focus.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Ethnographers when conducting fieldwork, and how can they be addressed?

Assistant Ethnographers often encounter challenges such as building trust with participants, adapting to unfamiliar cultural settings, and accurately documenting observations. Overcoming these obstacles requires strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability. Proactively engaging with local communities, maintaining detailed field notes, and seeking guidance from senior researchers or mentors can help address these issues and ensure effective data collection. Additionally, regular team debriefs and reflection sessions can support learning and professional growth.
More about Assistant Ethnography jobs
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What are the most commonly searched types of Ethnography jobs? The most popular types of Ethnography jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Assistant Ethnography job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$31.89 - $50.25/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Posting Reason:

New Position

Location where work is to be performed:

Main Campus

Session:

2026 Spring/Summer Semester | Trimestre printemps/ete

Faculty:

Faculte des sciences sociales / Faculty of Social Sciences

Unit:

School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies_Phyllis Rippey_JM

Job Classification:

Research Assistant (CUPE)

Posting Type:

Recherche / Research

Course Title:

N/A

Course Code:

N/A

Section:

Supervisor name (if known):

Phyllis Rippey

Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/05/27

Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/06/10

Description of tasks (hours):

Unless specified below, specific allocation of hours to various tasks should be articulated in a description of work negotiated and signed by you and the supervising professor prior to the commencement of work.

Recherche / Research:0Preparation / Preparation:0Contact avec etudiants / Contact with Students:0Correction - Notation / Grading:0Surveillance / Proctoring:0Formation / Training:0Autre / Other:0

Number of positions:

1

Expected Enrolment:

N/A

Work Start Date:

June 22, 2026

Work End Date:

July 10, 2026

Total Work Hours:

30

Hourly Rate:

AE-RA-Tuteur / TA-RA-Tutor : $31.89 ou/or $50.25 (2024-2025)

The academic year starts on September 1 and ends on August 31.

Undergraduate students will be paid at the lower rate; while graduate students will be paid at the higher rate.

These rates do not included vacation pay nor statutory pay.

These rates will be applied until a new collective agreement is ratified. Retro will be paid after the ratification.

Language of Work:

Anglais | English

Requirements and Nature of Work:

Responsibilities:

Funding and Partnership Development

  • Identify potential sources of funding to support the continued development of the Doing Social Research website and podcast, including internal University of Ottawa funding opportunities, Faculty of Social Sciences initiatives, and external grants or sponsorship opportunities.

  • Investigate potential collaborative partnerships with podcast networks, media organizations, and other relevant knowledge mobilization platforms that could provide technical, editorial, or promotional support.

  • Prepare a concise report summarizing findings and recommendations.

Qualitative Methods Content Development

  • Particular emphasis on Institutional Ethnography and qualitative iDevelop website content related to qualitative research methods, with interviewing.

  • Review existing website content to suggest improvements to organization, formatting, and accessibility and to provide recommendations for future content.

Qualifications:

  • Current doctoral student in Sociology or Feminist and Gender Studies

  • Demonstrated expertise in Institutional Ethnography

  • Proven experience preparing successful funding applications, grant proposals, or advocacy materials for academic, community, or non-profit organizations.

  • Demonstrated experience identifying and cultivating collaborative relationships with stakeholders in academic, community, or media settings.

  • Established knowledge of, and networks within, the University of Ottawa and/or the broader Ottawa research community.

  • Familiarity with podcasting, digital media production, or knowledge mobilization initiatives.

  • Excellent research, writing, organizational, and communication skills in English.

  • Ability to work independently, exercise initiative, and synthesize information into concise and actionable recommendations.

Additional Information and/or Comments:

All University of Ottawa employees are required under provincial law to successfully complete all mandatory legislated training offered by the University. The list of training requirements may be modified by provincial law. If you are invited to continue the selection process, please notify us of any particular adaptive measures you might require. We may consult with the Health and Wellness sector of Human Resources, if needed. Any information you send us will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The hiring process will be governed by the current CUPE 2626 collective agreement; you can click here to find out more.

The University of Ottawa embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are passionate about our people and committed to employment equity. We foster a culture of respect, teamwork and inclusion, where collaboration, innovation, and creativity fuel our quest for research and teaching excellence. While all qualified persons are invited to apply, we welcome applications from qualified Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible, barrier-free work environment. The University is also committed to working with applicants with disabilities requesting accommodation during the recruitment, assessment and selection processes. Applicants with disabilities may contact the academic unit to communicate the accommodation need.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 - Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.